Six Great Coaching Questions

Carl George is a legendary church strategist, growth expert, and writer. One of his most helpful contributions is six great questions every coach can ask - whether the coaching is happening in the arena of church, family, or marketplace. The questions were most recently reprinted in Dave and Jon Ferguson's good book, Exponential.

1. HOW ARE YOU?
At the heart of coaching is a relationship, not a transaction. Relational investment is the currency of effective coaches.

2. WHAT ARE YOU CELEBRATING?
I have to remind myself to ask this all the time, being a Type A, High D, take the hill kind of guy. The people we lead need to celebrate, to refuel before taking the next hill.

3. WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU FACING?
A great coach is always looking to develop those she leads and challenges are usually a great indicator of what needs developing.

4. HOW WILL YOU TACKLE THESE CHALLENGES?
This is where a coach resists the temptation to always tell the player what to do. This is the chance for the player to develop his problem-solving and critical thinking skills and in so doing develop confidence.

5. HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
There are times when the coach has to step in, but this is only after the player has been given every chance to tackle the challenges on her own and has made some progress.

6. HOW CAN I PRAY FOR YOU?
This question reminds both coach and player of where our ultimate power and strength come from.

Where can you ask one or more of these questions today?